Your Wedding, Our Commitment

Wedding Flowers

Choosing wedding flowers can be a bit of a minefield but it needn’t be, simply enlist the help of a reputable florist to bring your ideas to life. From the bridal bouquet to buttonholes and blooms for the venue, flowers are a wonderful way to enhance the visual impact of a wedding. Take note of these tips for beautiful wedding flowers so you’re ready to impress your florist.

Top Tips for Beautiful Wedding Flowers

It’s easy to get swept up in the world of Pinterest and Instagram for wedding flower inspiration, but the costs can quickly spiral. Start with your vision, and scale back to save costs where you can. See more below.

“With trends towards bronze and copper tones, there is a definite move away from silver. Rose gold and brass hues are also popular. We’re seeing more use of succulents and unusual plants and foliage, which keeps costs down.

“Brides and grooms are also taking more interest in the visual impact of their reception tables, theming tableware with floral centrepieces. The power of the flower is now more important than ever”

How to maximise your budget and still have great wedding flowers:

Ingenuity in design – it is possible to break flowers down to the individual florets and place them nonchalantly to decorate a dining table, without blowing your budget. Branches and other sculptural elements that can be re-used, reducing the cost passed on to the customer.

Less is often more – Displays that include fewer flowers, often use them more intensely so that the impact is created by different means than a full arrangement containing multiple blooms. Filling every corner or available surface with flowers can be overkill. When this happens, the eye becomes overwhelmed and the brain can no longer take in the vision. The result is that the floral arrangement is not only expensive, but the impact of the flowers is actually reduced.

Seasonal Blooms – look for flowers in season, avoiding expensive transportation costs from far-flung corners of the world. There are likely to be very many seasonal options in your chosen colours.

A trend towards a simpler era – there is a certain charming naivety about some of the less expensive flowers. These generally tend towards the field flowers, daisies and grasses, tall wispy and romantic, which are quite on trend for weddings.

If you’re a creative, hands-on kind of a bride, you’re probably considering putting together a lot of your wedding day yourself. Whilst being creative means you can be more thrifty, you may not have the right experience when it comes to flower arrangements. Follow our guide on DIY wedding flowers and all will be fine.

The dos and Don’ts of DIY Wedding Flowers

Firstly, you need to consider the time of year that you’re getting married. Look around you and think about what’s going to be in bloom. Not only will you be able to source your flowers more easily and inexpensively, you’ll also be keeping your green credentials if you don’t require exotic blooms to be shipped in from overseas out of season. Remember, if you’re getting married around Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day then you’ll pay a premium for your flowers.

So if you’re getting married in the spring, it’s going to be flowers like narcissi, hyacinths and tulips. In the autumn, you’re going to be opting for colourful brights like dahlias, hydrangeas and maybe branches of fruits and berries to decorate your venue too.

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DIY Wedding Flower dos

Think about your theme

Give yourself plenty of time to think about your flowers and decide what you want. Have a theme. This could be seasonal, colour-led or a style such as vintage or country garden. Maybe take an evening class in flower arranging, which will also show you how to keep flowers looking their best.

Rustic charm

Country-style wedding lends itself best to a handmade wedding with DIY flowers. You can have simple jam jars crammed with wildflowers, cornflowers and roses as centrepieces on your reception tables. These will look charming and rustic and moreover, they will look handmade, which is a nice touch.

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Do know your limits

Don’t decide you’re going to create elaborate formal flower arrangements if you have little to no experience. Use the time in the lead up to your wedding to practice, watch tutorials and understand what flowers go aesthetically but also what smell good together.

Easy pew ends

If you’re getting married in a church, decorate the ends of the pews with a hand-tied garland of blossoms or even just different coloured greenery. If you’re planning a winter wedding, holly and trailing ivy will be very festive too.

Scattering petals

There’s nothing to say your flower girls have to hold a bouquet of flowers. You could give them a simple basket filled with rose petals, which they can scatter as they walk down the aisle behind you. However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you could make flower pomanders for them to carry, just make sure you practise first.

DIY wedding flower don’ts

A professional job

If you’re not overly confident, don’t create your wedding bouquet yourself. It’s a whole lot of pressure for you and your bouquet is going to take centre stage on your big day too. Creating a dazzling posy or bunch of flowers for the bride to carry is a real art form. Give yourself a break and hand that job over to somebody who’s really experienced. We’re sure you won’t regret it.

Last-minute rush

Don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time to source your flowers. If your dad has a beautiful garden of roses, and he’s happy for you to pick them, then, by all means, use them. However, you’ll also need to source some blooms from a flower market. Make sure you visit a few times so you can make friends with the stall holders and find what they’re going to have when. Don’t be afraid to ask that about what they’d recommend for the time of year, after all they’re experts that you can also rely on.

Keep practising

Finally, don’t forget to practise, practise and practise. When it comes to DIY wedding flowers, practice is precious. Time yourself on how long it takes to make a table centrepiece and decorations for the ceremony or venue. Enlist the help of your favourite girls if they’re reasonably artistic! Just don’t leave everything until the last week and then panic because you’ve run out of time. A stressed bride is not a happy one!

Thinking about getting a flower wall for wedding day? While these beautiful backdrops are nothing new, there’s also a very practical reason why they’re still so popular.

These large, statement pieces are so versatile that you really can use them throughout the whole day. They work not only as a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony, but also for your top table, and as a feature wall for guests to take pictures. You could even create your own wedding hashtag!

However, flower walls also need plenty of TLC. This means allowing a decent amount of time to set up in the morning before the ceremony, and swapping out delicate blooms for more sturdy ones (unless you fancy the added costs of wrapping each stem individually).

But once you’ve nailed your colour theme, they really are the best addition to a wedding. Whether it’s romantic pictures of the bride and groom exchanging their vows, to guests mixing it up with some props later on for a DIY photo booth, they can easily become a beautiful focal point for any wedding.

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“The Kardashians might have made flower walls popular a few years ago, but Brits love their practicality,” explains Emma Soulsby, florist at emmasoulsbyflowers.com[2]. “They add a little bit of personality to the wedding and reception, too.”

She adds, “Couples usually sit down with me and pick the look of their flower wall. One bride also gave her bridesmaids ribbons at the end of the night, so they could take home a posy of flowers from the wall to keep. It was really sweet!”

While a flower wall is suitable for the ever-changing British weather (as it is free-standing, it can be cited both inside or outside venues), it can also reflect a season or a theme far more easily than expensive decorations.

Emma explains, “A flower wall creates impact. Add some LED lights and it becomes magical on an evening, plus it really does work with all colour schemes.”

And when it comes to the size of the wall, there can be no half measures. “Bigger is always better I would say,” Emma advises. “You should always envisage enough flowers for a full-length couple’s photo.”

Thinking about including hydrangeas within your wedding decor? We spoke to Hydrangea World[1] to find out what makes them such a unique flower

Stylish cut hydrangeas have always been considered one of the staple flowers within a beautiful wedding bouquet, but they’re also versatile enough to use in a variety of other arrangements or settings, too. These flowers also wonderful gifts and stunning table decorations as part of a floral centrepiece.

Hydrangea cut flowers come in a huge range of colours, including every shade of red, pink, purple, white, green and blue. And what’s unique about them is that their colours evolve during bloom (cutting the stems stops the colour-changing process); once they have completed their colour change, they become a bright autumnal red.

Which kind of hydrangeas change colour?

Cut hydrangeas vary from fresh to classic. Fresh refers to colours such as white, green, pink, blue and purple.

Classic hydrangeas are essentially the same as fresh hydrangeas, however the classic variety lasts longer in the nursery, causing them to gradually change colour.

They also have a very long vase life – a fully-grown classic hydrangea can easily last for up to three weeks.

Woman with hydrangea decoration

You can also put classic hydrangeas in floral foam, though sufficient watering is important before you do so. Simply cut off a piece of the stem with a clean, sharp knife or trimmer for better water absorption.

After they’ve bloomed, classic hydrangeas no longer absorb any more water, which means they’re ready for air-drying. Simply put them in a vase without water, or hang them upside down to let the flowers dry to get many more months of pleasure from them.

How to take care of hydrangeas

Make sure there’s enough water in the vase.

Use a clean vase – hydrangeas don’t work well in a metal vase or bucket. Try using a glass vase instead.

Add flower food to the water

Cut the stems with a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, so they hydrate as much as possible. Repeat this every three to four days, so the fresh stem can absorb the water.

Mist the flowers for extra hydration.

Minimise evaporation and extend your vase life by defoliating the stems.

Don’t place the hydrangea in full sun, near floor heating or by a draft.

If you’re getting married in July or August 2019, there’s no doubt you’ll be taking note of every little detail you see during this year’s wedding season. But, when it comes to your wedding flowers, what are the top floral trends to know about for summer 2019? Bloom and Wild’s[1] lead florist, Caroline reveals all…

For centuries, couples have used the art of ‘floriography’ (the language of flowers) to send secret messages to each other.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry knew about the symbolism of flowers when they designed the royal wedding bouquet. Making selections from royal gardens, they stitched together a story, uniquely their own, through the Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’, weaving Forget-Me-Nots (remembering Princess Diana), Myrtle (used in Queen Victoria’s wedding flowers), and Lily of the valley and Astilbe, symbols of love and devotion.

Professor Anne Barlow from the University of Exeter recently researched how to build long-lasting relationships, discovering the strongest relationships are built on friendship, respect and realistic expectations.

Uncovering the meaning of flowers helps you create ‘couple goals’ alongside your bouquet, helping you set positive intentions for the big day and beyond.

Red roses are popular symbols of true love, but let’s see what other flowers have to say…

Love

Lilac: We are confident in our love.

Jasmine, often used in ancient wedding ceremonies: Our love is beautiful, pure and sensual.

Orange Blossom: Our love is eternal and abundant.

Red Tulips: Our love will never die.

Friendship

Freesia: Our love is based on friendship, trust and thoughtfulness.

Blue Hyacinth: We are devoted best friends and have fun together.

Respect and realistic expectations

Champagne Roses: We respect and admire each other.

Daffodils: Our lives together are just beginning, and we respect one another.

Bird of Paradise: We respect who we are and are excited, joyful and positive for our future.

For centuries, couples have used the art of ‘floriography’ (the language of flowers) to send secret messages to each other.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry knew about the symbolism of flowers when they designed the royal wedding bouquet. Making selections from royal gardens, they stitched together a story, uniquely their own, through the Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’, weaving Forget-Me-Nots (remembering Princess Diana), Myrtle (used in Queen Victoria’s wedding flowers), and Lily of the valley and Astilbe, symbols of love and devotion.

Professor Anne Barlow from the University of Exeter recently researched how to build long-lasting relationships, discovering the strongest relationships are built on friendship, respect and realistic expectations.

Uncovering the meaning of flowers helps you create ‘couple goals’ alongside your bouquet, helping you set positive intentions for the big day and beyond.

Red roses are popular symbols of true love, but let’s see what other flowers have to say…

Love

Lilac: We are confident in our love.

Jasmine, often used in ancient wedding ceremonies: Our love is beautiful, pure and sensual.

Orange Blossom: Our love is eternal and abundant.

Red Tulips: Our love will never die.

Friendship

Freesia: Our love is based on friendship, trust and thoughtfulness.

Blue Hyacinth: We are devoted best friends and have fun together.

Respect and realistic expectations

Champagne Roses: We respect and admire each other.

Daffodils: Our lives together are just beginning, and we respect one another.

Bird of Paradise: We respect who we are and are excited, joyful and positive for our future.

It’s fair to say that edible flowers are having their moment in the sun, taking over kitchens up and down the country this year. We’re not only seeing flowers on the plates of Michelin-star restaurants but emerging as a popular garnish in drinks at weddings too.

“But I’m more interested by when they can used to enhance the flavour of a dish or a drink – some of the brightest and most beautiful blooms, like marigolds, nasturtiums and even certain varieties of tulip and can be used instead of seasoning”.

Flower cocktail recipes…

Dirty Nasturium Martini

Credit: Interflora

Nasturtium seeds have been called “poor man’s capers” and, once pickled, they do have the same umami sharpness. Nasturtiums themselves are a savoury flower, peppery like radishes, nowhere near as sweet as their fiery petals might suggest. Here, they perform the same duty as olives, turning neat spirits into an eminently drinkable aperitif.

You will need:

Pickled nasturtium seeds

100g fresh nasturtium pods

½ tbsp salt

1 tsp pink peppercorns

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp light brown sugar

100ml white vinegar

Cocktail ingredients:

70ml vodka

1 tbsp dry vermouth

1 tbsp pickled nasturtium juice

Ice

Nasturtium flowers to serve

Cocktail method:

Wash the nasturtium seeds in cold running water, before putting them into a pickling jar with the salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, sugar and vinegar. Screw the lid of the jar firmly shut and leave for at least three days, or for up to six months

When ready to serve, put the vodka, vermouth and pickling juice into a cocktail shaker with some ice. Shake together and then strain into a glass. Add four or five pickled nasturtium pods and garnish with a head or two of nasturtiums.

Cucumber, lemon and fennel flower gin

Credit: Interflora

This is the best kind of cocktail – low effort, but with huge results. The coolness of the cucumber, the twist of lemon and the aniseed pep of the fennel flower come together to make one wholly refreshing drink, a depth of flavour running through the three additions. You don’t have to use expensive gin – in fact the cheaper the better. It will take on the taste of the infusion, leaving you with something so much greater than the sum of its parts. It will keep, sealed, for up to a month.

You will need:

1 litre gin

1 cucumber (sliced into ribbons)

Zest of two lemons, plus more for decorating

Cloudy lemonade

Fennel flowers

Cocktail method:

Put all the ingredients except the cloudy lemonade together into one jug, carafe or bottle. Cover and leave to infuse for at least two hours, but ideally overnight.

Place some ice into your chosen glass, pour over a measure of gin and top up with lemonade. Garnish with a swirl of lemon zest and a scattering of fennel flowers.

Not drinking before the wedding? Try this flower mocktail recipe…

Raspberry and Rose Mocktail

Credit: Interflora

The colour of this drink is such a shade of beauty, vivid red offset with the prettiness of the petals. Raspberry is the dominant flavour here as rose just adds a subtle, floral, adult note, any more and it would overpower completely. Serve with sparkling water, tonic, tap or even lemonade. You can make a bottle of this and keep it in the fridge for a week or so.

You will need:

500g raspberries

2 tbsp honey

500ml water

3/4 tsp rose water

Thin, round lemon slices, to serve

Fresh, unsprayed rose petals, to serve

Mocktail method:

Put the raspberries, honey and water into a saucepan over a low heat, stirring so that the honey dissolves. Bring almost to the boil then drain through a fine sieve, discarding the pulp. Add the rosewater, cover and leave to cool completely.

When you’re ready to serve, put some ice into a glass and pour around 25ml of the cordial over it. Top up with the water or mixer of your choice and serve with thin rounds of lemon and rose petals to garnish.

Please make sure any flowers you use in food or drinks are pesticide-free. Your best bet is to find a food-focused retailer, ensuring you can eat what you buy. Another option if to go foraging – but make sure you know what you’re picking, and don’t forage where pesticides or chemicals might have been used.

Need cocktail glasses? We recommend the Geo tumblers from root7.com[5] to give your wedding that bit of edge…

With so many ways to flaunt your wedding flowers, venue decor right now needn’t be anything more than the best seasonal blooms, done well. Let your summer celebration speak for itself with five top decor ideas to incorporate your flowers of choice courtesy of our trusted experts, Interflora[1].

Floral arches

These stunning floral arches add an extra special touch to the wedding venue and the day. Used either as a focal point during the ceremony or as a striking entrance for the wedding party, this unique feature is the ideal statement piece for any wedding day.

In the frame

Fun and fashionable, a floral frame creates a focal point and makes a real statement. Perfect for adding wow factor to photos and getting guests talking.

Rustic and woodland-themed pieces

This summer, beautiful country flowers and quintessentially British themes will be the must-have trend for wedding parties. At venues, rustic and woodland arrangements will take centre stage whether freestanding or on tables and chair backs. Muted colours and lots of texture will add plenty of interest.

Taking centre stage

Table decorations are often the main focal point at dinner, with every guest faced towards the stunning florals and this summer will see wedding parties opting for small, beautiful table decorations. Softer shades of dusty pink or blue will make their mark creating a subtle but striking table centre arrangement.

Floral cakes

The cutting of the cake is a well-loved tradition at weddings and is often a memorable part of the day. As a result, couples are keen to add a tasteful touch to a classic wedding tradition by experimenting with decorations on cakes. Beautiful, delicate flowers provide a unique and luxurious finish making the cutting of the cake picture perfect.

If you’re more into pizza than peonies, then this unique wedding bouquet could be just for you…

An American pizza restaurant has created a wedding bouquet made entirely from pizza – perfect for those who’re worried they might get a bit peckish on the long walk up the aisle. Because, of course, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly-baked pizza wafting around with you all day – just watch you don’t get any on the dress!

The creation was part of a limited-edition giveaway which has since finished. We’re not so sure that many brides would swap it for their favourite blooms, but it could make an interesting talking point at the reception, and acts as a handy snack for later in the evening once the alcohol has started to flow!